Popular restaurant in Lebanon will reopen soon with new menu, regional flair and flavors
Several weeks ago, a reader let me know that Cobblestone Eatery & Drinkery in Lebanon was closed.
She asked me if I knew why. I didn’t, but I told her I’d check it out.
On two occasions since then, I’ve spoken to Mac Rohr and Cameron Volk, the new owners of The Cobblestone.
Since around mid-March/early April, Rohr and Volk have worked with previous owner Travis Lewis to purchase the business. They started working on The Cobblestone July 1 and closed on the sale a few weeks later.
The bar and patio reopened at the end of July.
The bar area is intimate (code for “small,” but not in a bad way). It features a new bar and refinished flooring. The ceiling still has its gorgeous tin tiles.
The patio is very spacious and tidy with games available for the customers.
Rohr and Volk are still working nonstop to reopen the restaurant and banquet area, which are not quite ready yet. (I didn’t get to see the space when I was there to interview the pair.)
They are doing their thing to make it look fresh, according to Rohr.
Volk said there would be a “mad dash” to get the kitchen open by Friday, Aug. 19.
Rohr and Volk are excited about the changes they’re bringing and think the customers will be as well.
The Cobblestone is a new experience for both men. Neither has opened such a business before. Rohr said they know their plans are ambitious but are determined to make it work.
Fare with regional flair
The Cobblestone will be Volk’s first restaurant where he will oversee all kitchen operations.
“It’s terrifying,” said Volk, who attended culinary school and is constantly working on menu development.
He said the new menu items will focus on food that is fresh and made in-house.
The Cobblestone will offer a small menu when it opens. Volk and Rohr will introduce new entrées during the first month or so, followed by a full menu launch in the fall.
Certain aspects of the menu will be new to the area. Volk is from North Carolina, and his experience with foods from that region will influence what he brings to Lebanon.
“We think a lot of people will be excited,” said Volk.
The restaurant will serve a variety of burgers and wings, but not in the “traditional” sense. The new menu will provide food featuring some Southern and Southwestern flavors.
Volk said that burgers will include regional classics such as Oklahoma City-inspired smash burgers and a Carolina-style burger (burger topped with chili and slaw).
Other menu items include a fried chicken sandwich, fried green tomatoes (Volk grew up eating these), pulled pork flatbread, a variety of wings – buttermilk brine fried with a hot honey sauce, Korean-inspired, Nashville hot wings, classic buffalo and barbecue – and salad options.
The menu will continuously evolve, said Volk.
Volk said they already get many requests for vegetarian and vegan options beyond salad. He may also introduce some plant-based options starting this fall (YAY!).
Volk said that fall will bring many other new surprises, so stay tuned.
The restaurant will serve from 11 a.m. until the kitchen closes at 9 p.m.
A unique destination
Rohr said they want people to come to The Cobblestone and feel at home.
“The vision that we’ve had – we’re executing it,” said Rohr, adding that they’re really pushing to get ready for opening.
The banquet area is still in progress and may take more time before it opens.
Rohr said that working on the place was grueling, partly because they have full-time jobs away from The Cobblestone.
Rohr said he wants to recreate elements he’s enjoyed at other establishments. The patio, which is already just how they want it, has games and the feel of a backyard. Eventually they hope to provide live music.
Their main objective is to create something unique, not just to Lebanon but to the surrounding area as well, said Rohr. He hopes The Cobblestone will be a destination for dinner that isn’t in St. Louis.
When they open, Rohr and Volk want to take their time and learn about the community – what the people like or don’t like – and adjust as needed.
Volk, who moved here from Colorado about five months ago, said they’re “thrilled to be part of the Lebanon community,” and he wants to do it justice.
He said they want to be a real part of Lebanon and not just a restaurant that happens to be located there.
“The town is excited,” said Rohr. “There’s so much potential here.”
Lebanon Mayor Cheri Wright said that The Cobblestone is a “much needed business” that the community enjoyed before and will enjoy again.
“I think they’ll do very well,” Wright said.
About the Cobblestone
The Cobblestone first opened in April 2018 under the ownership of Travis Lewis, John Galle and Joe Metzger, who passed away in December 2020.
The Cobblestone was Metzger’s baby, said Rohr.
According to Rohr, Metzger’s passing made it harder for Lewis, who currently owns other businesses, to keep The Cobblestone running as well as it had under Metzger.
The restaurant closed in May.
While Rohr and Volk kept on as many of The Cobblestone’s original employees as possible, they are still looking to hire more staff, particularly for the kitchen. Interested parties can send résumés to mcjrestaurantgroup@gmail.com.
The Cobblestone is located at 115 W. St. Louis St. in Lebanon.
The bar is currently open from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday-Friday and noon to 1 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. Hours will change when the restaurant opens.
Updates can be found on The Cobblestone’s Facebook page.
This story was originally published August 17, 2022 at 8:00 AM.
